Seems like there's a lot of raving about the new Zen-Ray 7x36. Can someone explain whats so nice about this configuration? I was thinking about pre-ordering the 8x43s for hiking but now I'm wondering what all the fuss is about 7x36. Perhaps its the compact size? When I'm hiking, I'm usually packing my photo gear and water on a harness so I'm already carrying a lot of weight. I'm not sure if the weight/size diff between 7x36 and 8x43 will really impact me.

Generally, it is easier to hold a lower power bino steady and because of their lower magnification you can get away with a smaller objective lense hence lighter and more compact. Personally, my favorite configuration is a 8x42/43.

If one pays some attention to several different optics forums, one thing that come up a lot is the stated desire for a really good compact 7x30-something binocular. There is not a lot of immediately apparent magnification difference in 7x and 8x unless you are stretching to, or even past the limits of what should be expected from a 7-8x binocular. What the appeal is, there is a full 5mm exit pupil with very little size increase over the typical 8x32. If I read specs correctly, the 7x36 ZEN ED 2 will be only about about 1/2" longer than the Swarovski EL. The depth of field is usually quite a bit better in a 7x binocular, as that depth is primarily a function of magnification (less depth with increase in magnification). So the 7x can be a pretty much focus free sort of deal, somewhat like the IF with a CF wheel.

There is a bit brighter image with the decrease in magnification, and a corresponding decrease in image shake, which along with the wider 7x field of view, conspire to give a lot of people a better viewing experience. My major single use binocular since 2005 has largely been a Swift Eaglet 7x36. The ONLY thing it lacks to be able to take a more serious shot at the next step up in glass, is a larger fov. That looks like it has been fixed with the ZEN ED. Oftentimes, I have gotten more use out of the 7x even in open desert hunting, especially when there is a lot of heat mirage. I would not have guessed, but a 7x is even better there than an 8x, because there is a decreased magnification of heat waves as well. Sometimes my 7x worked when my 10x was pretty useless.

Steve"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

Well simple physics tells you that there is more light to work with in a 43mm objective. I see no real practical difference in twilight performance with 7x36 (I have four now) with the 8x42-43 I have. Sometimes differences may exist, but they may not exist in such an extent that they are readily seen. The real practical differences is that (at least for me) that there is very nearly 8x43 performance from a 7x36 binocular in a much smaller package.

How much difference? A target one mile away looks to be at 220 yards with 8x and 250 yards with 7x.

The best image probably wins the "what is that?" contest.

Edited by Klamath - July/20/2009 at 18:17

Steve"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

Yes, the Zen ED 7x36 will be longer than the typical 8x32 bin. I believe it will be very comparable in length to something like the 8x42 Nikon Monarch but with better ergonomics because of the open bridge design.

I think Steve did an excellent job of highlighting why there is so much buzz over the 7x36. With all of the buzz in the hunting community being over 10x42s and 10x50s more often than not the lower powered binoculars haven't really been given much of the spotlight. Meanwhile some very good, inexpensive, low powered bins like the Leupold Yosemite 6x30 have been winning the hearts of many hunters. Their easy to use, bright, comfortable image makes them ideal for close quarter hunting and even glassing at moderate ranges.

What you are looking at with something like the Zen ED 7x36 is a slight increase in magnification over the Yosemite while drastically widening the field of view and providing the potential for superior optical performance through the use of dielectric mirror coatings on the prisms and ED glass in the objectives to provide sharper, more contrasty images.

I, for one, am greatly looking forward to both of the new Zen ED II models.

If you are lookign for something light and compact, you should also add Vortex Viper 8x42 to the list. It sacrifices some field of view, but the binocular is one of the more compact 8x42 models I have seen weighing in at 23 ounces.

Sheeeeesh. My bad. 6.5" collapsed and 7" extended. Sorry about that. The 7x36 is not going to seem "compact'"in the way we are used to with some of the x32 class of compacts we are used to. These will be a slightly different breed of cat, I'm thinking.

Edited by Klamath - July/23/2009 at 20:18

Steve"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

A lot of people may like maximum compactness. I will take a the decrease in size of the 36mm over the 42 mm while retaining the 5mm exit pupil. I will also take the increased depth of field and increased fov of the ZEN. This has a 36mm objective and this by itself will make it bigger than most x32's. I also happen to like 7x, so this is just about the ideal set up for me. Maybe not for others.

Steve"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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